Q: A blood sample is centrifuged, and the following volumes are measured: total volume = 6 mL, plasma volume = 3.6 mL. Calculate the hematocrit (HCT) and determine if it is normal for an adult male.

$$\text{HCT} = \frac{2.4}{6} \times 100 = 40\%$$, which is low for a male

Question 1

Which plasma protein is primarily responsible for maintaining the osmotic pressure of blood, and what would likely happen if its concentration significantly decreased?

Accepted Answer

Albumin; fluid would accumulate in tissues causing edema

Question 2

A patient is exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) in a poorly ventilated room. Which property of hemoglobin explains why CO poisoning is so dangerous?

Accepted Answer

CO binds to hemoglobin with 200 times greater affinity than O2, preventing oxygen transport

Question 3

A blood sample is centrifuged, and the following volumes are measured: total volume = 6 mL, plasma volume = 3.6 mL. Calculate the hematocrit (HCT) and determine if it is normal for an adult male.

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{HCT} = \frac{2.4}{6} 	imes 100 = 40\%$$, which is low for a male

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the structure and function of a mature red blood cell (RBC)?

Accepted Answer

Biconcave, anucleate, lacks mitochondria, and uses anaerobic metabolism

Question 5

A patient with chronic bleeding due to a stomach ulcer develops large, immature RBCs. Which type of anemia is most likely present, and what is the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Pernicious anemia; lack of intrinsic factor for vitamin B12 absorption

Question 6

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)?

Accepted Answer

An Rh- mother with an Rh+ fetus during her second pregnancy

Question 7

A blood sample agglutinates with anti-B and anti-D (Rh) sera, but not with anti-A serum. What is the blood type?

Accepted Answer

B+

Question 8

Which white blood cell type is most likely to be elevated in a patient with a parasitic worm infection?

Accepted Answer

Eosinophils

Question 9

A patient is diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Which of the following best describes the abnormality seen in this condition?

Accepted Answer

Proliferation of large myeloblasts in the bone marrow

Question 10

Which of the following is a direct result of the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin during the coagulation phase of hemostasis?

Accepted Answer

Formation of an insoluble mesh that traps blood cells

Question 11

A patient with a genetic deficiency in clotting Factor VIII would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Impaired intrinsic pathway and difficulty forming clots

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why O- blood is considered the universal donor for RBC transfusions?

Accepted Answer

O- blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens, so it does not trigger agglutination in recipients

Question 13

Which of the following is required for the synthesis of new red blood cells during erythropoiesis?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12

Question 14

A patient with a platelet count of 80,000/μL is at increased risk for which condition?

Accepted Answer

Thrombocytopenia

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in the body?

Accepted Answer

Activates plasminogen to plasmin, which digests fibrin and dissolves clots

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of basophils?

Accepted Answer

Release of histamine and heparin during inflammatory responses

Question 17

A patient receives a mismatched blood transfusion (type B blood to a type A recipient). What is the most immediate risk?

Accepted Answer

Agglutination and hemolysis of donor RBCs

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between a thrombus and an embolus?

Accepted Answer

A thrombus is a stationary clot; an embolus is a moving clot

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in hemostasis after a blood vessel is injured?

Accepted Answer

Vascular phase → Platelet phase → Coagulation phase

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why a person with type AB+ blood is considered a universal recipient for RBC transfusions?

Accepted Answer

They have no anti-A, anti-B, or anti-Rh antibodies in their plasma

Blood: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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